Decision Making

Decision Making“The ability to make effective decisions is vital to the successful performance of a school administrator. Herbert Simon has called it the “heart of executive activity” and, more recently, Jack Duncan writes that the one thing ‘generic’ to the job of an administrator is decision making.”

School Leadership and Administration

What is decision making?

Decision making involves . . . A process Requires a perceived problem Influenced by information Influenced by situational constraints Influenced by values and beliefs Usually has alternatives Requires analysis Requires a choice Results in action Should be evaluated

Thoughts about Decision Making

Decisions force us to foreclose other opportunities

Most of us will do just about anything to avoid uncertainty

There is no such thing as a prefect decision maker

There is a big difference between a wrong decision and a bad decision

Outcomes you can not control, but process you can

There is no one archetypical decision Some of our decisions will outlast us

History of Decision Making Rational Decision Making --

characterized by written rules and regulations; hierarchical control; bureaucratic

Participatory, Shared or Site Based Decision Making -- consensual, based on goals, values, and beliefs; open communications; equal status; based on professional expertise

Strategic Decision Making Approach -- comprehensive; based on knowledge and analysis of internal and external environment; long range plan; extensive involvement by participants; shared philosophy and purpose

Situational Decision Making -- recognizes ambiguity and uncertainty; culture and climate are important; ethical dilemmas often present; decisions often more process than goal based; effectiveness and efficiency are important elements

Why is it important that you be clear about your decision making?